DAY 2, Saturday - Lima City Tour
This morning's tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial center of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, official residence of the President, and the 16th century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornate carved ceilings, exceptional paintings and world-renowned library. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins tour. Visit the archaeological site of Pachacamac, one of the largest religious centers in pre-Inca times on the Peruvian coast. This afternoon, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Evening Larco Herrera Museum with dinner. Experience one of Lima's most magnificent museums by night on this tour, that also includes a light supper. Admire the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels
Optional: Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins
Optional: Larco Herrera Museum with dinner
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Sunday - Flight to Cuzco, Chinchero Weaving Demonstration
Depart Lima this morning by flight to Cuzco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America. Upon arrival, drive through the rugged mountainous region with its magnificent panoramas, along roads with farms and small villages to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, stop in Chinchero. Here, enjoy an authentic Peruvian lunch followed by a demonstration of the ancient Andean tradition of making textiles from naturally dyed handwoven alpaca wool. Remarkably, the source for the vibrant colors are dyes that come from plants, minerals, and insects. Wander around the complex and shop for souvenirs among the fine textiles and other local treasures. This evening, dinner together with music at a lovely restaurant
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Monday - Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo Ruins
Enjoy this morning at leisure in the Sacred Valley to explore some of the ancient ruins independently or, join the optional tour to Maras and Moray. The excursion begins in Moray, a remarkable agricultural center that demonstrates the ancient Incan's mastery of high-altitude crop growing. You'll be astounded by the large complex of perfectly circular depressions in the earth that historians believe were used to study climatic conditions. Next, travel to the colonial town of Maras, known for its nearby salt evaporation ponds in use since the time of the Incas. This afternoon, visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, an ancient complex of temples and terraces towering high over the valley, the last stand of the Incas in their defense against the Spanish conquistadors. Marvel at the architecture of the Incas in this well-preserved settlement, considered a living museum of 15th century life. Tonight, join the optional traditional dinner with a Peruvian Family in their countryside home. Sample home-cooked Peruvian specialties along with a warm and friendly cultural exchange
Optional: Maras and Moray Tour
Optional: Dinner with a Local Peruvian Family
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Tuesday - Discover Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station to board the Expedition Train that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu*, the "Lost City of the Incas", designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham's rediscovery in 1911. Spend the morning viewing the unforgettable wonders of this 15th-century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this significant archaeological site will be a long-lasting memory. Return to Sacred Valley in early evening and transfer to your hotel in Cuzco for overnight*Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 3 hours
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Wednesday - Full Day in Cuzco
Spend today independently discovering the "Imperial City" of Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lively city, rich in history, reveals remains of both the Incan and the Spanish presence. Take time to explore some of the city's sights, or, shop for some of the finest handicrafts and textiles in all of Peru. Participate in the optional Cuzco Behind the Scenes tour, offering a glimpse into the other side of life in Cuzco. On this tour, visit a local market and taste fresh-baked Chuta bread. Stop at the Cuzco cemetery to learn more about Andean life and death and meet with a local "shaman" (holy man). After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a delicious meal. In the afternoon, join the optional Highlights of Cuzco excursion that takes you to the impressive Colonial Cathedral with its collection of over 400 paintings, the Temple of the Sun and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which took over seven decades to complete. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner
Optional: Half Day Cuzco Behind the Scenes (AM)
Optional: Half Day Highlights of Cuzco (PM)
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Raqchi & Puno
Depart Cuzco early in the morning on a long drive today. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive through the Andes mountain range and the Andean plains to Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. In this area, South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) graze on the immense plateaus and plains. En route visit the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha, with its elaborate stonework, the largest Inca temple ever discovered. Today, Raqchi remains home to many farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Then, you arrive at pristine Lake Titicaca sitting majestically at 12,500 feet above sea level, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real range. This is the highest navigable lake in the world and South America's largest freshwater lake. Time permitting, meet children at a local school. A box lunch will be provided en route before arriving in Puno for overnight
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Friday - Laykakota Local Market, Fertility Temple of Chucuito, Excursion to Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
Begin the day at Laykakota local market. Explore the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Afterward, head to Chucuito Village to visit the Fertility Temple. Learn about the temple's history, cultural and religious significance, along with ancient fertility rituals. Next, take a boat excursion to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands where the indigenous people of the area, the Uros, live on islands that dot the lake. The Uros live very much the same way as their ancestors did and still follow the ancient customs and traditions. These islands are completely man-made structures, using the totora reeds from the lake to build the islands and houses. Return to Puno for the remainder of the day at leisure. Or, take the optional tour to the Sillustani Tombs, the pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs here are built above the ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, vestiges of the Colla people before they were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Evening is at leisure in Puno
Optional Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Saturday - Flight to Lima
This morning transfer to the airport in Juliaca for your flight to Lima; rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner with Peruvian specialties
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Flight to Iquitos, Boat Transfer to the Lodge & Rainforest Hike
Depart Lima by flight to Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling boat transfer to your lodge in the midst of the Amazon River. The Amazon is one of the planet's richest and most biodiverse regions. A box lunch will be provided. Once you get settled into your lodge, visit a community along the Amazon River to learn about their way of life. Tonight, dinner is at the lodge
Overnight: Iquitos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Monkey Island, Amazon River Trip, Visit Yagua Village
Start the day with a hearty breakfast. After, visit Monkey Island, a family-run rescue center for monkeys where you view several species in their natural habitat and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Then, try your hand at fishing for piranha, the omnivorous creatures known for their sharp teeth and voracious appetite. On this excursion, enjoy the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Amazon. Perhaps you'll spot the unique pink and gray river dolphins found in Amazonian waters. Continue on by boat to the remote village of Yagua, and get insight into their culture and traditions so closely linked to the rainforest. The guide also shares how these peaceful people were affected by the arrival of the Europeans and the passing of time. Opportunity to purchase or trade for some of the local crafts and watch a blowgun demonstration which some of the elders still use for hunting. Return by boat to the lodge
Overnight: Iquitos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Mazan Village
Travel to Timicuro and board a motorcar to Mazan village on the banks of the Napo River, passing through the town of Indiana, originally a Franciscan mission, now a thriving river community with its own market, school, and hospital. Visit the Mazan market and meet the people who call this magical region home. In the afternoon, walk through the lodge's rainforest reserve with your naturalist guide who will show you examples of native plants used as ornamental plants in other parts of the world. If you are lucky, you may find poison dart arrow frogs or tamarins along this trail. Or, join the full day optional Canopy Walkway* excursion that begins with a 40-minute trek to the walkway through the lush Amazon rainforest. At a height of over 115 feet, the walkway provides views of the rainforest from the treetops, a perfect vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. The suspended walkway is spread between the area's largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world. A buffet lunch is included at the lodge before continuing to the ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Gardens that cultivates over 240 species of medicinal and other useful rainforest plants, tended to by the local shaman. Return to the lodge*Passengers who choose this optional will not be able to participate in the included visits to Timicuro, Mazan and the town of Indiana
Optional: Full Day Canopy Walkway
Overnight: Iquitos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday - Flight to Lima
After a leisurely morning, return to Iquitos for the flight to Lima, where you spend the last night in Peru. A box lunch will be provided en route to the airport. This evening, perhaps try one of Lima's superb gourmet restaurants for a last "foodie" adventure
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14, Thursday - Depart Peru
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight**Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of day 14 and will require a transfer on day 13. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time.
Meals: Breakfast